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Tom,
Thanks for taking the time to do these columns. Currently within the comics community there has been a lot talk about the representation of women in comics both on the creator and character front. Turning to the character side at Marvel, currently "X-23" is the only ongoing solo character book with a female lead. What factors have led to this and do you feel this is an area Marvel needs to address?
Hi. I'm glad that the point one initiative seems to have met some success— I know I'm always trying to get my friends to give comics a try, so designated jump on points are nice. So, it's nice to see a new wave of that for November. But on the promo image advertising this new wave, I can't help notice that of the 20 "major" characters pictured, only one is a woman. Is there any hope with the wonderful array of female characters you've got, that we could see more than 5% representation? It seems like that would be something especially important targeting new readers. I have many female friends who love superheroes, but are kept away from comics because they don't know where to start, and because there are so few female protagonists.
Hi Tom,
I have a few questions that I have been dying to get answered in some form or another:
I was wondering if we will be seeing Captain Universe again any time soon and if so, will we see The Uni-Power will finally choose a host that it'll stick with permanently as well?
Will we ever get to see The Law Enforcement Squad team from "Fantastic Four Annual 2001" again?
And last but not least do you know whether Jonathan Hickman has anymore plans for those psychotic, narcissistic, ultra-facist, one-eyed Celestials from Earth-4280 who were last seen during the "Three" arc in Fantastic Four?
Thank you in advance for taking the time out of your busy schedule to look over my questions.
Sincerely,
Captain Universe
Okay, I've been waiting patiently for the better part of twenty years and it hasn't happened yet so let me ask directly, Is Adam Hughes (my favorite artist) ever going to do anything for Marvel?
Hey Tom, me again :). I have two questions that don't necessarily have to be asked one after another, but if they are I'm more than cool with that ;)
1) Now that Secret Warriors has wrapped up, where will villains like Orion, Gorgon and Madame Hydra appear next?
2) Also, are there any plans on bringing to light the origins of my favourite character? (see username) Or possibly a followup to his WWII connections recently revealed in Secret Avengers?
Hey Marvel head honchos! I know 2012 is a big year for Marvel's major franchises, but are some of the smaller corners of the Marvel U gonna get a chance to shine. Anything big happening with the Young Avengers post Children's Crusade? How about Avengers Academy or some the the younger X-Men?
Tom,
With Alex Power in the FUTURE FOUNDATION and Julie Power about to join the cast of AVENGERS ACADEMY (as announced at San Diego) are there any plans to see what Jack and Katie Power are up to as well?
Hi Tom
Is there any chance of seeing an Exiles title any time soon? It was a shame when Jeff Parkers run was stopped before it got started as I thought he was taking the title in the right direction and by that I mean less x universe orientated with more of a What If style as the possibilities would be endless for great stories .
Hey Tom
This may seem like an odd question but, Do you guys ever try to purposely kill a comic book series? If i may try to illustrate my question a bit, take a comic book like Astonishing X-Men. That series sells well but sometimes i feel like it may be on the chopping block from month to moth due to its late schedule and its self contained continuity(a Fact i love). It would seem like a book that dose not fit fluently into your larger publishing plan. So you may add a less well known team to the book. If that team hits that is a bonus but the expectations are low and if the books slips well you wanted to kill it any way. That is the impression that i get some times any validity to it? Do you guys try to kill a series ever? in hopes of replacing it? in hopes it gives you an excuse for a reboot? this ever happen in the comics industry?
Hey Tom
Do Writers Ever Have a say to which Artist will illustrate the stories they write?
And how to do you guys determine which Artist fits best with which writer/book.
Hi Tom.
I just posted this at the She-Hulk appreciation thread and hope you can make this a reality:
[QUOTE]Just had a thought, what if Lyra and Southpaw meet? How would they hit it off? I mean, they are closer in age to one another than to Jen; and she's mentored both of them. I wish Sasha would join one of those teen teams; maybe that will add to Jen's influence and set her off to become the superhero we glimpsed in one possible future.[/QUOTE]
Does Marvel have a policy, explicit or unspoken, about members of the editorial staff and their interactions with fans on messageboards? I was just wondering in light of stephen wacker's presence and interaction with readers on this site. His comments are at best combative and antagonistic, and at worst insulting, snide, and condescending. Just wondering if you see his presence here as representative of Marvel as a company.
Thanks!
Hello, this is a pretty ambitious question, but here goes: How can I help make a series I read continue? Let me elaborate: I'm a big Marvel comics reader, but lately I've been enjoying series (both ongoing and mini) with a ton of potential, but end rather suddenly (Young Allies and Spider-Girl most recently.)
I know that comics, like other mediums I enjoy, are a business first and foremost, and you guys can only support so many series for so long, but I really like certain characters and teams that just can't seem to stay around long enough to be appreciated.
So, if I may be so blunt, how can I help prevent this. I pre-order some titles, and try to recommend others to my friends (all of whom don't regularly read comics(:() but what else is there. Facebook campaigns? Popular Title Boycotts? Fan letters?
Pip and the pretzel stick in this week's X-Factor got me wondering, is Axel continuing with Joe's stupid no smoking policy? I have never been a smoker, and think it's an awful habit, but stopping fictional characters is a ridiculous mandate... and yes, I have heard all the reasons why, I still disagree.
Do you have plans to diversify your market? I know there've always been questions on this, but are there any plans for either mini-series or one-shots starring some really obscure characters? Or even upcoming series like Avenging Spider-Man, which was said to also feature other characters? I personally would love to see a [I]Cloak & Dagger[/I] series come out of Spider-Island, but I wanted to check out your verdict on this.
hi,
I have a question for Tom about the up-coming DEFENDERS book by Matt Fraction and the Dodsons. Having seen Axel Alonso on CBR TV I'm very glad the whole crew involved seems to have really great expectations for this book, and I'm definitely glad with it.
In fact, what worries me already is when Matt Fraction will leave the title once he'd have done what he has to. I wanted to know if the concern for a DEFENDERS book goes so far that you already have a plan B, or something further already considered.
I know it may sounds childlish but we have sometimes the feeling that a book is launching based on the very names that are attached to it, and sometimes (sometimes) it falls apart once they left.
All in all, I could have ask the same question about MOON KNIGHT.
If the wonderful combo (to me at last) of BMB and Alex Maleev fails -or just simply goes to the goals they had fixed themselves - is there something already planned in the way like we, MK'fans, will have a consistent creative team that we think the character deserve ?
sorry if I went a little long about this one, but I'd really really like to know Tom' opinions about it - and that would reminds me a lot the wonderful substantive discussions Tom used to pull on his BLAH-BLAH-BLOG...
What's the possibility of getting a Spider-Man 2099 TV show in the future?
Hi, i have some questions for today's Cup O'Joe that will have Sara Pichelli and i was wondering if these questions could be answered regarding the upcoming Ultimate Spider-Man relaunch:
1) Will Miles Morales parents both be alive? Peter Parker always had Aunt May, but alot of heroes ultimately had dead parents and characters who we're once unique with that trait have gotten their parents murdered, can we except to see Miles Morales having a happy family alongside his superhero adventures?
2) Can you tease/tell us about Miles Morales? What does he enjoy? He obviously is influenced by Spider-Man, so he's a superhero fan, but what else? Is he into science? Sports?
One big question I'd like Tom to answer:
[B]Marvel's family books are becoming indistinct. I know that Marvel is trying to retrench around the core to keep audiences aware of the heart of Marvel, but what long-term effort is being put in place to make sure groups like the X-Men and Avengers have differentiated paths OUTSIDE of their character roster — paths that are also CLEAR to new readers?
[/B]
It's something that, as senior story editor, he can tell us. :smile:
Dear Mr. Quesada: Regarding Miles Morales-- Thank you!!
Hi Tom,
I have just picked up the Killraven mini series that Alan Davis did a few years back and thoroughly enjoyed it, great story. It reminded me of how much I enjoy his work and the fantastic talent he is.
Are there any plans for Alan to have him write and draw another mini-series? Anything would be great especially anything with Captain Britain or Clandestine?
Cheers,
Hey
When are you guys going to put out a DareDevil Animated Movie? Or a TV show?
Hey Joe!
I know this is a weird question to ask, but I'll ask it anyways.
As a reader of everything Marvel, I can't help but want to influence some stories and add my own ideas, but it is not so easy to know if they are getting heard.
What is the best way to "help" writers?
I've got some great ideas for Dan Slott!
Thanks,
Benjambo
Hey Tom,
Are Marlene or Frenchie set to appear in Moon Knight's series anytime soon? It seems they were put on the back burner without an explanation to make way for Captain Spiderine and i just wanted to know if there are future plans for them or not.
Hi Tom,
I was reading your formspring page and one of your answers just struck me as WOW.
""We do not really live in an "If you build it, they will come" society."
I know it's out of context but , do you really believe if Marvel would write a story that fans of all ages could get into that they would not sell more of those books?
When a movie or book hits the right cord for a range of people that media property goes through the roof even in these times.
Just thought that was you saying Marvel isn't interested in writing to a broad audience.
For anyone else that would like to look at the question and answer:
[url]http://www.formspring.me/TomBrevoort[/url]
Anyone else read this the same way?
Hi, Joe.
I was interested in your reply about the new Spider-Man, especially your own experiences growing up.
I've just finished reading Grant Morrison's book "Supergods" - it's part history of comics & part autobiography. I enjoyed reading it. There's a little score-settling in the book, which is fun. I wouldn't expect you to dish, given your professional standing and all, but do you think that you'll ever get down to writing your own life in comics?
I respect that this might be a project for your retirement. So, it's okay if we have to wait a decade or two for it.
Tom, when asked about the reduction in story pages during a recent Talk to the Hat, you stated "It's not an absolute thing where we're cutting page counts down to the bone". You also stated "It's not an overall policy".
However, for Marvel's $2.99 books it very much is a policy. With a handful of exceptions, all of Marvel's books at this price point have been cut to 20 pages. The $3.99 books aren't immune either with Moon Knight, Ultimate Fallout, Secret Avengers, Astonishing X-Men, and more being cut.
In light of this, do you still contend that it's not an overall policy to cut page numbers?
[QUOTE=Nova2814.1;13606807]Tom, when asked about the reduction in story pages during a recent Talk to the Hat, you stated "It's not an absolute thing where we're cutting page counts down to the bone". You also stated "It's not an overall policy".
However, for Marvel's $2.99 books it very much is a policy. With a handful of exceptions, all of Marvel's books at this price point have been cut to 20 pages. The $3.99 books aren't immune either with Moon Knight, Ultimate Fallout, Secret Avengers, Astonishing X-Men, and more being cut.
In light of this, do you still contend that it's not an overall policy to cut page numbers?[/QUOTE]
I would also like to hear an answer to the above question. There is quite a long thread dedicated to the topic and it seems like an issue that many readers are curious about. Tom and others from Marvel were fairly vocal in their criticism of DC when they cut their page count from 22 to 20, it only seems fair that the question should now be put to Marvel/Mr. Brevoort.
Yeah, I'm sort of curious too. Ultimate Fallout was short, and it was $3.99. Even though these are good comics, I can only afford one at this point, and that's ASM.
Hello Tom and Joe.
This week has been a busy one regarding Fantastic Four's upcoming 50th anniversary (though technically it already observed it on Monday), so my questions are FF related.
First, Fear Itself #5 had a very important development between Ben and Franklin which leads to some asking whether this couldn't have happened in Fantastic Four #587 (though Franklin himself answers it in #588) or foreshadows something to happen in the future. when Fraction wrote this scene, did he ask fellow architect Hickman about the possible ramifications it could have for the FF title and the aforementioned reference to #587?
Second, the FF are starting to appear in other titles. Pak's Silver Surfer mini, Slott's Amazing Spider-Man (though that's a given), Liu's X-23, and later in the X-Men. Is this all a deliberate plan to make the FF more visible in the Marvel Universe as whole and establish itself as a title/team that other titles/teams would be dealing with on major issues? How much input does Hickman (and you Tom as the FF editor) have regarding the FF's guest appearances elsewhere, and how much leeway are the other writers given?
Why is there a putative [URL="http://marvel.com/comic_books/issue/38796/fantastic_four_1997_601"]Fantastic Four #601[/URL] at marvel.com?
I have a question or two concerning about the MC-2 Universe and Spider-girl...
1. Given it's legacy of being one of the first Marvel female solo titles to obtain over #100 issues in a single setting, why has there not been a call upon some of Marvel talent artists, Like John Romita Jr. or Barry Kitson, to assist Ron Frenz and Sal Buscema in creating varient covers for the series ?
2. What if you place a female creative team upon the MC-2 Spider-girl universe, given the fact that most of its heroes are female heiresses to some of Marvel greatest heroes ?
3. As a great fan of the MC-2 universe Spider-girl, I feel that Marvel is wasting a great chance into looking at expanding the title line given it various creative teams of today....yet what is your opinion of it ?
Any chance of seeing a return of some of the more obscure 80s and 90s heroes?
Crystar, Illuminator, The Generic Superhero, Wolverina, the Power Pachyderms, and all those types?
Thanks CBR for having picked-up my question, and thanks Axel for your kind reply, I really appreciated the term " re-evaluate" actually, wich reassured me a lot about the following of my favourites titles.
Except you surprised me a little when you said "they're not Extra-Top Secret Avengers" coz I myself never implied such a thing, you're actually preaching someone convinced. But this is what worries me a little about the status of the team in everybody' minds and I fear once Matt Fraction' concept done -which seems a very federating one- I fear the Defenders' ll have to find their own legitimity to exist, to remain in the MU or at last, to continue as an ongoing title.
Or I personnally always though they're as legitimate in the MU than the Avengers, they're just working on another level, or handle some threats that the Avengers can't, or are not there to handle. In fact, I LOVED the SECRET DEFENDERS' concept. I don't liked the title very much, but definitely liked the idea. It should have become what Warren Ellis had done during his T-BOLTS run, with the circumstancial team of American Eagle, Sepulchre and Steel Spider (that I hope will seek revenge on VENOM any time soon, and embrace a whole full-time super-hero carreer as well -better than an ubiquitous Pete, IMHO). But I feel Matt Fraction' goal very close to that, and I hope it will go further his run, in the way that if the DEFENDERS aren't secret anymore, I hope they 'll continue to handle "secrets-and-less-secrets" things.
I'll be very glad if we could pursue this conversation, but I'm not sure so I'm taking another chance :
you hinted you have projects and goals for your time as EIC, and that some will ask to be patient regarding the state of the current market. I, for my part, am breathless to call for a NEW MUTANTS FOREVER ongoing by Chris Claremont and Bill Sienkiewicz. I wanted to know if such a project is actually the kind that's asking to remain patient, as not necessarily new audiences could be interested, and I'm jumping at the opportunity to ask news about the FOREVER line properly, since PAD hinted in an old interview he'll be all for a HULK one. So, is there something you could say already about a possible or not second wave of FOREVER titles ?
Hello. Long time fan here and I've got a few continuity questions.
For a start, over a year ago, way back in Age of Heroes #1 we were given a story that said Captain Britain was to join the Avengers however a year on and not including Iron Age i dont think we've even seen him. What happened here?
On a side note, i have a question about Heroes For Hire becoming Villains for Hire? Was this planned from the go or was it something that happened because of demand, or a different pitch for the sales?
And on the subject of a DnA series, have the editors anything to say about the return of Black Bolt in Hickman's FF as the 'ressurection' really doesnt add up with their Thanos Imperative series where the cancerverse was sealed off forever? Although I am happy to think this would open up the idea of possible returns by Nova, Star-Lord, Thanos or Vulcan!
World's biggest [B]Dakota North [/B]fan here...
It's been several months since Dakota North last appeared in Daredevil. Any plans for Waid to feature her in DD, or possibly by another writer elsewhere? I'm really hoping she doesn't slip back into obscurity.
Hello,
I've been reading since the Ultimate Line started.
I really like the idea that if you buy all the books you will get the whole picture of the Ultimate World.
Does that mean when there's a threat so big will it show up in the other books?
Also
Please make Ultimate X-23 in the Ultimate Books
:biggrin:
I gotta ask, what can we expect from the upcoming Defenders title's newest member, Iron Fist? Also, are there plans for any of the other Immortal Weapons to be featured in any upcoming titles at all? Is Prince of Orphans even still a member of the Secret Avengers?
Hello. I have only just recently started visiting the website and have one question. A bunch of trades have something on the right saying get this comic, but when I click either nothing happens or it redirects to the same page. Is possible at all to order from the website or does one have to order from amazon?
Wrong thread, sorry.